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The new live waiting time tracker also monitors times and patients in minor injuries units, which were far less busy at 9am on the same day.

The Cumberland Centre only had a wait of 40 minutes and a total of nine patients in the department, Kingsbridge minor injuries unit’s longest waiting time was 25 minutes with only one patient in the department and Tavistock’s minor injuries unit had two patients in, with the longest wait being 40 minutes.

If it’s not a life-threatening emergency, consider other options before dialling 999 or going to A&E This allows emergency staff to concentrate on people whose lives are at risk, and could also save you a long wait.

RD&E Wonford waiting times at 9am this morning

Minor injuries units can treat patients with a number of injuries or illnesses from cuts, bruises, sprains and stomach pains to fractures.

If you’re still not sure what to do or where to go, you can always call 111 for advice at any time of day or night.

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“Waiting times at Derriford are going to be greater because it’s the main trauma centre,” he said.

But demand was unpredictable.

“I did a shift at Derriford last Friday night and it was quiet and well managed, but the next day it was manic,” he said.

File picture of an ambulance paramedic

“All you can do is admire the professionalism and commitment from doctors and nurses I saw on display.

“Healthcare is perhaps the defining challenge for my generation of political leaders – how to provide a sustainable system free at the point of need while dealing with demand that is almost impossible to catch up with.”

Mr Mercer rejected claims that the Conservatives are privatising the NHS, saying that the last Labour Government had privatised almost twice as much of the service than the Conservatives have done since 2010.